The infrared supernova rate in starburst galaxies

We report the results of our ongoing search for extincted supernovae (SNe) at near-infrared wavelengths. We have monitored at 2.2 micron a sample of 46 Luminous Infrared Galaxies and detected 4 SNe. The number of detections is still small but sufficient to provide the first estimate of supernova rate at near-infrared wavelengths. We measure a SN rate ofv 7.6+/-3.8 SNu which is an order of magnitude larger than observed in quiescent galaxies. On the other hand, the observed near-infrared rate is still a factor 3-10 smaller than that estimated from the far-infrared luminosity of the galaxies. Among various possibilities, the most likely scenario is that dust extinction is so high (Av>30) to obscure most SNe even in the near-IR. The role of type Ia SNe is also discussed within this context. We derive the type Ia SN rate as a function of the stellar mass of the galaxy and find a sharp increase toward galaxies with higher activity of star formation. This suggests that a significant fraction of type Ia SNe are associated with young stellar populations. Finally, as a by-product, we give the average K-band light curve of core-collapse SNe based on all the existing data, and review the relation between SN rate and far-infrared luminosity.Comment: A&A, in press, 13 page

“Playing the game”, identity and perception-of-the-other in water cooperation in the Jordan River Basin

The concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has enjoyed immense popularity and thus has been the preferred approach for river basin management. IWRM generally has a strong focus on rational choice, based on a technocratic conceptual interpretation of the conventional hydrological cycle. However, uncritical acceptance of IWRM runs the risk of blinding policy makers and academics for the defining impact of context, socio-cultural, political, historical and cognitive dimensions in water cooperation. Human behaviour in water cooperation was tested and observed during eight experiments with the Jordan River Basin Boardgame Exercise (JRBBE) played with respondent groups from inside and outside the Jordan River Basin. The experiments consisted of one control group outside the basin and seven respondent groups both outside and inside the basin. This article argues that the role of identities, beliefs and perception-of-the-other, should be taken more into account in order to develop successful and socio-political sustainable river basin management

The political economy of peace processes

No description supplie